Page 15 of Lavender and Lightning

I slide across the cracked plastic-vinyl seat, grunting slightly as my feet hit the pavement. My phone vibrates again, this time with an incoming call. My thumb hovers over the dismiss button, but I decide to let it ring out before shoving it back in my pocket. I’ll text him back once we’ve unloaded and set up.

Despite my obvious dismissal, Rhett calls me two more times in rapid succession, not bothering to leave voicemails. I eventually set my phone on silent. The buzzing in my pocket has proved too distracting, as I’m trying to focus on doing my job, while also not injuring myself further. Once the bouquets and boutonnieres have all been distributed, and the ceremony has begun, Wila, Gabby, and I find a quiet corner of the reception hall to sit down in and take a quick break before we have to put the final touches on the centerpieces.

“So when you said you didn’t tell the pack you were coming in today, do you mean that you didn’t let them know you were leaving or…” Gabby starts, trailing off.

I shrug with one shoulder. “Kind of. Rhett thinks he can control when I’m allowed outside of the house.”

“Like you’re on some sort of lockdown? That’s a little fucked up, babe,” she replies skeptically.

“Well, no, not like that. I feel fine, but Rhett thinks I need more rest. But I can’t lie on my ass anymore, Gabs. I’ll go crazy,” I continue before taking a swig from a bottle of water.

“Oh, no. You get to lie around and have two hunky alphas waiting on you hand and foot. How tragic a life you lead,” Gabby says, words dripping with melodramatic sarcasm.

“If it were my choice, then I wouldn’t be bitching. But they’re treating me like I’m liable to shatter. Not to mention the paranoia over this stalker,” I retort, rolling my eyes.

My phone vibrates again, and I pull it out and watch Rhett’s name flash across the screen. When the device goes silent and dark again, Gabby gives me a searching look. I tear my gaze away, face hot.

“Listen, I’d normally say let him stew. You don’t owe a man a God damn thing. But, with all the extenuating circumstances, the least you could do is let him know you’re not dead or in the back of some creeper’s van,” she says at last.

I sigh, not willing to say it out loud, but she’s right. I swipe the unlock pattern, and sure enough, there are about a dozen texts waiting for me, though I’m surprised to see that not all of them are from Rhett.

Rhett: Lydia, this isn’t funny. The doctors said you should still be limiting your physical activity.

Missed Call 10:34AM Rhett

Missed Call 11:02AM Rhett

Rhett: Where are you? One of us can come help out for the day.

Rhett: Seriously, where are you?

Mateo: Hey, what’s going on with you and Rhett? He’s freaking out. Are you okay?

Rhett: This isn’t smart, Lydia. If something happens, we won’t know where you are. Please, just answer your phone.

Lucas: If you are trying to torture Rhett, it’s working. But maybe put him out of his misery?

I look up at Gabby and show the messages to her with a deadpan stare. She sighs and shakes her head, throwing her hands up in a “do what you want” sort of gesture. I consider for a moment, thumb hovering above my list of message threads. I wouldn’t put it past Rhett to drop whatever he’s doing and show up here if I told him where I am. And I really don’t want to cause a scene while I’m on the clock. I might be able to talk Mateo down from showing up, but he’d probably tell Rhett, and then I’d be back to diffusing the bomb. I take another deep breath before choosing the safest option.

Me: I’m not trying to torture Rhett. Let him know that I’m fine, but I’m working and can’t be on my phone constantly. I don’t need a babysitter. I’m with Miss Wila and Gabby.

Lucas: Okay. Maybe you should talk to him directly, though?

Me: If he wants to pick me up, I’d appreciate that. We’ll be back at the shop around eight, I think.

Lucas: If I promise not to spill, will you at least tell me where you are?

Me: We’re at The Grapevine Banquet Hall. And I swear to Christ, if he shows up here, they won’t ever find your body.

Lucas: Your secret is safe with me, sweetheart. See you when you get home.

“All right, enough twittering or whatever you kids do these days. Back to work,” Wila says with a half-groan.

Gabby and I nod and follow her, getting back to work. I’m hopeful that the fire has been at least temporarily smothered, and when my phone doesn’t go off for the rest of the night, I let myself relax. I don’t hold any delusions about this being over, but I can at least work in peace for a few hours.

The wedding goes late, and it’s almost dark by the time we get back to the shop and unload the remnants. As we’re finishing up, I look out of the back window and see a familiar black sedan sitting in my usual parking spot, running but with the lights off. Time to face the music, I guess.

“If you want Gran to chase him off, all you have to do is say the word,” Gabby comments, coming up to my shoulder.

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